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About

About

Ricardo Zimmermann is a senior researcher at the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Portugal. His qualification includes a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management by the University of Aveiro, a Master in Management by the University of Aveiro, a Master in Business Administration by SENAI (National Service of Industrial Learning), Brazil and a BS in Management by the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil. His main research interest is the role of digital technologies on the development of sustainable and resilient supply chains. Ricardo has management experience in companies in Portugal and Brazil.

Interest
Topics
Details

Details

  • Name

    Ricardo Augusto Zimmermann
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    09th September 2019
006
Publications

2025

Developing Strategies for Sustainable and Resilient Supply Chains

Authors
Zimmermann, R; Senna, P; Pereira, P; Fornasiero, R; Zangiacomi, A; Betto, F;

Publication
HUMAN-CENTRED TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, VOL 3, IAMOT 2024

Abstract
Although recent studies have recognised that sustainability and resilience should be considered part of the same efforts in the context of a transformative perspective, research combining both constructs is still scarce. This study adopts a comprehensive perspective that acknowledges that maintaining business continuity (through persisting, adapting or transforming), to reduce long-term risks is a common aspect of sustainability and resilience. It aims to identify strategies to be applied by companies and SCs in order to increase their social, environmental and economic sustainability, as well as their ability to be ready, respond and recover from unexpected events. Considering that the actions and strategies to deal with sustainability and resilience can be different and eventually paradoxical, this work applies the organizational ambidexterity approach as a theoretical background.

2025

Redesign of Circular Products: An Analysis of the Fashion Industry

Authors
Dalmarco, G; Stacchetti, F; Ines, A; Zimmermann, R;

Publication
HUMAN-CENTRED TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, VOL 3, IAMOT 2024

Abstract
The concept of circular economy aims to extend the end-of-life of products by reducing or reusing products and materials, being Design a central part of a successful circular product. In line with the 6Rs strategy for circularity, Redesign (applied by eco-design practices) allows the creation of products that can be easily repaired, upgraded, or disassembled, extending their life, and fomenting a circular economy. For that reason, the aim of this research is to analyse the role of Redesign in the circularity of footwear products. Exploratory qualitative research was conducted, with five in-depth interviews with founders and R&D managers of prominent footwear organizations. Results demonstrate that most interviewed companies, which were born circular, considered Redesign practices from the definition of the product concept. In conclusion, looking at Redesign strategies holistically and through its specific sub-relationships have a major impact on the company's circularity practises.

2025

Birds of a feather flock together: increasing social sustainability through supply chain visibility

Authors
Zimmermann, R; Toscano, C; Chaves, AC;

Publication
PRODUCTION PLANNING & CONTROL

Abstract
This study reflects the assumption that all links in a supply chain (SC) must share responsibility for socio-environmental issues. One of the main barriers to ensuring the sustainability of an SC is the difficulty in accessing partners' information, especially beyond the first tier. Due to the great geographical dispersion, large number of small companies, and, mainly, the growth of the fast fashion industry, the textile sector is recognised as a priority when it comes to social sustainability issues. Moreover, consumers are increasingly demanding information about the social footprint of products. Thus, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of how SC visibility can contribute to increasing the social sustainability of textile SCs. Using a longitudinal perspective and adopting mixed methods integrated into a design science strategy, we evaluate SC visibility in the context of two Portuguese textile supply chains, before and after the development of a technology-based solution.

2025

Socio-Technical AI Maturity in Supply Chains: Insights from the Pulp and Paper Sector

Authors
Fernanda Freitas; Ricardo Zimmermann; Gaudencio Freires; Fabio Couto; Cristiano Fontes; António Lucas Soares; Gustavo Dalmarco; Donna Rhodes; Jorão Gomes;

Publication
IFIP advances in information and communication technology

Abstract

2025

Digital Technologies for the Transition to Collaborative Circular Economy Through R-Strategies – Insights from European Ventures

Authors
Fornasiero, R; Dalmarco, G; Zimmermann, R;

Publication
IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology - Hybrid Human-AI Collaborative Networks

Abstract

Supervised
thesis

2023

How do Technologies contribute to the Development of more Sustainable and Resilient Supply Chains — A Textile Sector perspective

Author
Pedro Guedes

Institution
INESCTEC

2023

Stylish, sustainable and resilient – a circular supply chain perspective for the fashion industry

Author
Sara Maria Teixeira Ribeiro

Institution
INESCTEC

2023

Towards Circular Supply Chains in the Plastic and Packaging Industry: the role of technologies

Author
Joana Sofia Sarmento Ferreira

Institution
INESCTEC

2021

Drivers and barriers for implementing the digital transformation in the Portuguese industry

Author
Diana Raquel Moreira Cardoso

Institution
INESCTEC

2021

The moderator effect of information sharing on the relationship between digital technologies adoption and innovation performance

Author
Cláudia Monteiro

Institution
INESCTEC